Jim Whiteaker

Jim Harold Whiteaker, 82, a long-time resident of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on February 14, 2021, at home.  He served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1960 to 1962 and was called up for active duty during the Berlin crisis. He graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia in 1963 with an engineering degree, was a former employee of Gustin Bacon, and retired as an executive of TWA.

He was a lifelong fan of the Missouri Tigers and rarely missed a game, and in his younger days was an avid golfer, traveler, and scuba diver.

Born in Chilhowee, MO on August 10, 1938, to Harold and Fern Whiteaker, he is survived by his spouse of 32 years, Sonia Whiteaker. Also surviving Jim is his son, Matthew James Whiteaker and his daughter, Laura Whiteaker McCroskey children with his former wife Betty Smith Whiteaker.  He is survived by his sister, Jeannie Taylor and her husband Jerome Taylor, a niece Jordan Taylor DeRose and two nephews Jed and Jake Taylor.

Jim accepted Christ as his Savior as a young boy, and he, his sister, and his parents were active participants in the Independence Boulevard Christian Church. In later years he was a member of the Village Presbyterian Church.  Jim suffered a paralyzing accident in the prime of his life.  He was a brave fighter and accepted his disabilities with characteristic dignity and courage.

The family wishes to thank Kansas City Hospice, the staff at Menorah Medical Center, and his son-in-law Dr. Brian McCroskey for their kindness and special care during the last few weeks of his life.

With loving memories of Jim, the family plans to schedule a private celebration of his life.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,

for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,

which God has promised to those that love him."

James 1:12